FRIENDS OF ST. PAUL’S: On August 27 my dulcimer and I leave for Colgate University in New York to start a new adventure in my life. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for making St. Paul’s a wonderful place to learn about my walk with God. Your loving support and encouragement both in my music and in my spiritual life have helped to make me who I am. You will be in my heart, and I look forward to being with you again on my breaks. — Karen Alley

IF YOU WERE TOUCHED BY THE BAPTISM SERVICE of Faith Elizabeth Kozel on August 10th and would like to help out the Kozel family by providing a meal, please contact Kristin Marsh at 867-8114.

THE CHURCH BUILDING will be CLOSED on August 19 for an In-Service Day. Please note that emergency calls will be returned as soon as possible, and all other calls will be returned the next business day. Thank you.

THE CHURCH BUILDINGS will be CLOSED on September 1 in observance of Labor Day.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS who served during the month of July: Bill and Pat Moyer, Suzy and Jay Lutz, Jean Chirpas, Jan and Joanne Maurer, Barb Taylor, Leann and Phil Mohr, Louise and Glenn Albert, Judy and Lou Geschwindner, and Dave and Diane Gustine.

DID YOU KNOW that the children of St. Paul’s Christian Preschool enjoy a weekly gymnastics class on Monday mornings via the TUMBLEBUS? Out of consideration for these little ones and their need for physical activity, please remember that the parking spaces along Calder Way and the Education Center are reserved for the TUMBLEBUS on Monday mornings. If you are coming to the church at that time, please see Linda Heverly in the Church Office for quarters to use in the parking meters on the street, or in the parking deck. Thank you for your consideration!

ATTENTION ST. PAUL’S ATHLETES: A new church volleyball league is forming in town, and we’re going to enter a team from St. Paul’s. This is a recreational league for adults and older youth. Matches will be scheduled for Thursday evenings, from September 18 through November 20, at the new Christ Community Church sports complex, just off the Benner Pike, near the Premiere Movie Theater. There will be a small team entrance fee for the season, and all proceeds will benefit youth outreach programs in the community. Join us for some fellowship, fun, and friendly competition. Contact Coach Hoffert if you’re interested in playing (238-3859).

COLLEGE STUDENT ADDRESSES NEEDED: Before you go to/back to college, especially if attending a school outside of State College, please furnish us with your college address. Email Virginia Flick or fill out the form located in the next Messenger and return it to the church office. Your St. Paul’s church family would like to stay in touch with you.

HELP NEEDED:

OPEN MUSIC POSITIONS AT ST. PAUL’S: The Music Ministry Team has the following part-time positions open — Associate Organist: 13-week position (12 month); Angelus Choir Accompanist: Weekly rehearsals and monthly services (9 month); Cherub Choir Director and Accompanist: Weekly rehearsals and 3 services per semester (9 month). For detailed information, please contact Russell Bloom, Director of Music, at 883-2558. Compensation commensurate with experience.

BACKPACKS FOR OUR SHOE BANK: In addition to new back-to-school shoes for the kids who visit our Shoe Bank, we will also provide filled backpacks for them. You can help in a couple of ways: 1) Donations to buy the 100 backpacks and supplies. Make your check payable to St. Paul’s UMC and put “Shoe Bank Backpack” in the memo. 2) Purchase items to go into the backpacks: #2 pencils with erasers, glue sticks, 3-ring binders, 24-packs of crayons, two-pocket folders, markers, spiral notebooks, highlighters, 12” rulers, loose leaf paper (wide ruled), and medium point pens. For additional information, contact Glenn Albert at 237-0528.

PARK FOREST DAY NURSERY, a tuition free preschool for children from low-income families in the State College area, has two openings for teacher assistants in the 2’s and 4’s class. For the 2’s, the days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; for the 4’s, the days are Monday through Friday. The hours are 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please call Director Gloria Horst Rosenberger at 234-2167 (home) or 231-8492 (work) for further information and/or an interview.

ROUNDTABLE MTGS:

EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: Mark your calendars! Thursday, August 21, from 7 to 9 pm in the Social Room. This is our final meeting before the dinner/meeting on September 9 at Mt. Nittany (save-the-date). Thank you for all of your expertise in creating a great Christian Education outline and narrative for the overall St. Paul’s Strategic Plan. Blessings!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

THE UMW EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING will be on August 19 at 6:30 pm in the Asbury Room to plan programs and the budget for next year. Please let Dawn Boyer know if you will not be able to make it to this very important meeting.

CHURCH COUNCIL WILL MEET at 7 pm on Wednesday, August 20, in the Asbury Room. A Charge Conference will be conducted during this meeting for the specific purpose of recommending Craig Q. Rose as a candidate for ministry. During the Charge Conference, a ballot will be distributed and the outcome will determine his next steps. All Committee Chairs and Members-at-Large are encouraged to attend.

STATE COLLEGE AREA CROPWALK FUNDRAISER: Join your Church friends and enjoy a Spikes game together at Medlar Field on Friday, August 22 at 7:05 pm. Tickets are $7 (of which $2 goes to the State College CROPWALK). Get your tickets from Barb Faulkner (238-8695;). Hope to see you on the 22nd!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT UMCOR and what the Mission Central Hubs around the Centre Region are? We will have a short talk by Margaret Daub, the head of the Clearfield Mission Central Hub and a Mission Central Board member, and then make UMCOR kits for Mission Central on Saturday, August 23 from 9 to 11 am on the third floor of the Education Center. Everyone is invited. Call Judy Geschwindner at 237-1743 or Pam Zimmerman at 238-1976 with questions.

PRAYER AND HEALING SERVICE: The last Wednesday evening of every month from 6 to 7 pm. Includes: praise and worship led by our God-designed Praise Team; hear God’s truths and promises; time of silent prayer and meditation; bow before Him in repentance; and experience the power of God’s healing touch on your spirit, soul, body, mind and relationships. Prayer ministry is available. Come and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. The next Prayer and Healing Service is August 27

PRAYER AND HEALING SERVICE: The last Wednesday evening of every month from 6 to 7 pm. Includes: praise and worship led by our God-designed Praise Team; hear God’s truths and promises; time of silent prayer and meditation; bow before Him in repentance; and experience the power of God’s healing touch on your spirit, soul, body, mind and relationships. Prayer ministry is available. Come and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. The next Prayer and Healing Service is August 27.

PASTOR ED ZEIDERS WILL BE LEADING A BIBLE STUDY on the “Key Words, Texts and Ideas in the Biblical Story,” Mondays, September 8 through September 29 in the Social Room. Plan to come for dinner at 5:30 with Bible Study following. Please RSVP by September 2 to the church office 237-2163). Childcare will be available to those who respond by August 25.

MEMBERSHIP CLASS: Church membership is a way for us to show our full commitment to Jesus Christ. To know more about joining St. Paul’s as your family of faith, the next Membership Class will be held on Sundays, September 21, 28, and October 5 from 4:30 to 6 pm in the Asbury Room on the third floor. Members will be received Sunday, October 12 in the 10:45 worship service. Although last minute decisions are welcome, please try to contact Virginia Flick at 237-2163 by September 14th to register so that we are prepared with enough materials. If childcare is needed, please contact Virginia Flick by September 7.

CHILDREN’S NEWS:
(Contact Tori Von Leer at 237-2163 ext. 148 or for more info.)

DO YOU HAVE A HEART TO SERVE? Are you in love with God and have a passion for children? Do we ever have a place for you to share your gifts! There are several classes in need of class co-leaders. If you enjoy preschool age children, you could be a co-leader for the kindergarten class. In the elementary age group, the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th grader classes need co-leaders. Co-leaders work out the teaching schedule according to the leader schedule. The engaging Live B.I.G. curricula have arrived and supplies are coming soon! If you are able to help us, please contact Tori at 237-2163 ext. 148.

TODAY IS THE FINAL WEEK OF SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL. The Fall session will begin on September 14. Check the next edition of The Messenger for more information about the Fall Children’s Christian Education Hour.

REGISTER YOUR CHILD(REN) ONLINE FOR THE 2008-09 YEAR! Go to the church website (www.stpaulsc.org) and click on the link for Sunday School Registration. Just follow the directions! Permission to Photograph forms require a signature and cannot be completed online. It is very important that you complete the registration process. The information helps us to serve your child’s needs. Both forms will be available at the Ministry Fair on September 7.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF RISING THIRD GRADERS! This year, your child will receive a Bible from the congregation. If you have NOT received a letter about the presentation, please contact Tori as soon as possible.

YOUTH NEWS:
(Contact Matt Hoffert at 238-3859 for more info.)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE YOUTH KICKOFF PICNIC: Sunday, September 14, 5:30 to 8 pm at Spring Creek Park. Bring the whole family and meet this year’s team of youth leaders, play some fun games, eat some good food, engage in some general tom-foolery...a good time will be had by all. Keep checking the bulletin and your email for additional information on what to bring to the picnic.

OKAY, OKAY...THE TURNOUT FOR THE “LAST NIGHT” OF TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY was so great this past week, that we’ve decided to do it ONE MORE TIME! This Tuesday, August 19, is now the LAST TBS of the Summer. We’ll meet at the Haris’s house from 6 to 9 pm for some games, some dinner, and some Bible study. A good time will be had by all. If you come, please bring a salad, side or dessert to share with the rest of the group. Email Matt with questions.

CHRISTIAN ED. NEWS:
(Contact Donna Snyder at 237-2163 ext. 125 for more info.)

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT CORRECTION: Thanks again to the leaders who attended the Summit this year. Three names were inadvertently omitted. Apologies to: Nancy Spannuth, Anne and Garen Smith. (Anne and Garen attended at the satellite host church in Nebraska, while Nancy attended in Lancaster). Thanks for attending and for your leadership here at St. Paul’s UMC! If you missed the Leadership Summit this year and want to learn about it, give Donna a call. The 2009 Summit is August 6th and 7th, returning on the 8th...if you want to save the date!

CALLING ALL LEADERS AND ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HOUR TEACHERS: Please call Donna this week to let her know about your classes for fall. We are reserving classrooms and spaces for the year and your input is essential to the success of the Christian Education enterprise here at St. Paul’s UMC. Once we have your group’s information we can let others know. Thanks in advance for your help.

ARTISTIC/CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES! Are you interested in helping to create beautiful worship space? Do you like decorating? (Do you have any supplies that you would like to offer?) Do you want to help with our fall worship/setting for services such as Stewardship (Goin’ Fishin’ Campaign) or the Thanksgiving service? How about the processional for “Christ the King” Sunday? Maybe Advent is your thing, or what about the Christmas activities and settings? If you think any of these things are where you’d like to lend a creative hand and heart, just call Donna. If everyone out there who is reading this, and who is thinking “I might be able to help,” would call, we’d have a great team in place. Do we need YOU? You bet! Please call today or this week so that we can plan ahead for the fall and winter. Is God calling you to serve in this way?

CALLING ALL LEADERS who have a heart for Christian Education! As fall is fast-approaching, it is definitely time to call the Christian Education office and offer your services to lead/teach/facilitate a class. Or maybe you’d like to assist in some way? Whatever your inclination, we can use your special gifts and talents in the area of Christian Education. Please don’t delay in placing the call to Donna...plans are being finalized now, as we map out the calendar and schedule the rooms. Most importantly, time is of the essence as we work with the overall Strategic Plan to create a top-notch Christian Education Program for people of all ages. We welcome and cordially invite you to be a part of this exciting enterprise!

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH! Are you currently working with our youth on Sunday mornings, in their Christian Education classes? Would you like to be involved in teaching and/or leading in some way? Do you have ideas to share regarding Sunday School for our youth? Please contact the Christian Education office as soon as possible. We are setting up the program and roster for the fall. Your input is most welcome and very much encouraged, as we create the optimum setting for Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Growth for our youth. Also: If you are a young person in this age category and you desire to take on a leadership role during the Sunday School hour, please let us know that as well. Your involvement in leadership is key to the success of the program! (Ages: 6th grade through 12th grade, with 6th grade being separate as they “transition.”)

CALLING ALL BALLERINAS AND THOSE WHO LOVE THE ARTS! A new ballet is being shown on Wednesday, August 27, at 7 pm on the third floor of the Education Center. Title: “The Journey of the Prodigal Son.” Ballet Magnificat presents: ‘A mélange of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern and even some Swing and Charleston add to the fun in this creation by Jiri Sebastian Voborsky! A kaleidoscope of exciting music, costumes, lighting, and staging captivates the hearts of young and old in this beloved tale, retold in contemporary setting. This timeless message comes back to center stage as our Father God calls His children to return to Him.’ A perfect theme for coming back in the fall...just around the corner. The ballet is 80 minutes in length. Light refreshments will be served. (Bring your blanket and pillow for comfort, if you want to curl up on the floor space to enjoy this offering). No RSVP necessary, but please come! This ballet company is exceptional!

“DO YOU WANT TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLES, TOO?” This haunting question (John 9:27b) echoes from Biblical times down to the present. What does it mean to be Jesus’ disciple? Why are we called to be Jesus’ disciples? What does the future hold for the disciples of Jesus? These questions are among many that are raised and discussed in DISCIPLE Bible studies. Now is the time to decide whether you will be part of a group committed to learning and understanding Scripture better. Do not miss the opportunity to become more confident in your knowledge of Scripture and to grow in your personal faith. DISCIPLE 1, 2, 3, 4, Christian Believer, and Jesus in the Gospels are the six series available for study. Help us select which series to offer in the coming year by contacting the church office to indicate your interest in one or more of these studies. Evening studies will most likely be offered on Mondays or Tuesdays. If demand warrants, daytime studies may be possible. The only restriction on taking these studies is that DISCIPLE 1 should be taken first, as it is an overview of both the Hebrew Bible and post-resurrection writings that include the Gospels, Epistles, and The Revelation of John. Watch this space for more information!

STRATEGIC PLANNING DINNER & REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

MT. NITTANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1500 E. BRANCH RD., STATE COLLEGE, PA

Everyone is invited to attend the Strategic Planning Dinner and Review on September 9 at Mt. Nittany UMC. We’ll gather in the Family Life Center at 6:00 pm for dinner, and then break into small groups to discuss the draft of the Strategic Plan. The draft will be a compilation of the work from the Worship, Mission, Education, Health Ministry, Membership and Youth Roundtables, as well as the Strategic Planning Team and Administrative Agencies.

Our catered meal will offer roast beef, chicken, tossed salad, green beans, scalloped potatoes, rolls and butter, beverages and dessert. Please RSVP to the church office or 237-2163) no later than August 25. There is no fee to attend this event. However, if you would like to help offset the cost of the meal, which is $11 per person, please make your check payable to St. Paul’s UMC, earmarked Strategic Plan Dinner.

Childcare will be available. Your contact with the Church Office by August 25 will reserve your childcare need.

Thank you in advance to everyone for all the hard work that went into planning our life through 2012.

THE 6TH ANNUAL
MINISTRY FAIR: A TAPESTRY
OF GREAT POTENTIAL
IS ONLY 3 WEEKS AWAY!

Save-the-date:
Sunday, September 7, 2008
8:00 am to Noon

Let’s make this a banner year, with ALL ministries fully represented! What do you have to do? Call Donna and reserve your ministries spot on the floor of the gym, or in “new” locations around the church. The more the merrier! We’ll find a place for you. (Note: we only have a few places where a TV can be plugged in, so if you need electrical, it is on a first come, first served basis). Deadline to reserve your spot: Wednesday, August 27 at the close of business. This is so that floor plans can be drawn up and details can be finalized. Remember: With all of our ENERGY being released there’s no telling what God will do here! Be part of the fun and celebration of St. Paul’s life! The balloon release at the beginning of the 10:45 service is only “symbolic” of how we can release our gifts “in His service.” Being there to invite others into your ministry area, and your passion, is really what the fair is all about! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to educate others and share the vision about what God is doing in your life! (Setup: During business hours on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, from 9 am to 3 pm in the gym and following the pancake breakfast in the Social Room. Directions will be provided. You provide your own supplies, table coverings, signage, and materials. Sign-up sheets and clipboards will be on your tables. If you have a banner, please let Donna know when you call to reserve your place).

ATTENTION St. Paul’s Board of Trustees, Church Council, Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee, Faith Forward Team, small groups, classes and other groups at St. Paul’s: If you haven’t had a table at the previous Ministry Fairs, this may be a good time to do so! We are looking for FULL REPRESENTATION at the Fair, to showcase our ministries and work areas. Since all that we do here is for “The Glory of God,” your area of ministry is very important to the life of the congregation and beyond our walls. Come and be a part of this exciting “Back-to-school” time, as we begin a new season! It is a time for fellowship, learning, signing up to serve, experiencing an exciting time to worship the Lord, and much more! You’ve heard of Worship+2, well this is one way to Worship and to learn about the ways to Serve and to be connected to a Small Group and more! Come and be a part of the joy of releasing our energy “In His Name!” (Call Donna at 237-2163 to reserve your table by August 27th!).